Academics - 2/4 - MNU Blogs

As you may already know, I am an Intercultural Studies major which is part of the Ministry program here at MNU. This weekend I had the opportunity to go with my Intro to Ministry class on a retreat not too far from campus. Although we weren’t there long, the experience was transforming and it really opened my eyes.

First, this place was awesome. They had a beautiful sanctuary, rooms like a hotel, and it was incredibly peaceful. The first main event we did was about half an hour of silent time where each student went off on their own to a place to be alone with God. My favorite place to go for Jesus time is outside. I love the outdoors. The breeze to me represents the Holy Spirit. And it was sure present during my personal time alone with God. I’m not going to lie, I bawled like a baby. I’m really thankful for that time I had because I felt God wrap His arms around me. By the time I had to leave, I felt relief and at peace with everything.

Next, we transitioned into some light-hearted, fun games like speed dating (awkward but hilarious) and the “clump” game. Weird, I know, but it was like, so much fun! The object of it was to see how many people are interested in the same things. For example, the professor calls out, “If you prefer dogs, clump to the left, if you like cats, clump to the right, if you just don’t care, stand in the middle and look pretty.” We all got to know each other pretty quickly and had tons of fun with it.

On a more serious note, one of our professors had us make little booklets of our lives. We were to choose four main events leading up to present day and draw a picture that symbolizes the event. The point of the exercise was to share our story with a group. The key theme in each of our stories was that God always has a plan. Though we may not realize it at the time, His timing is never off. That’s when our ability to trust Him is tested. I was inspired by the strength I saw in the people around me. I hope I can be as strong as them someday.

Wrapping up the retreat today, we partook in a life-altering experience after our mini chapel service. We wrote our burdens, our pain, names of people who have wronged us, or experiences we’ve bottled up for so long down on a blank sheet of paper and we crumpled it up into a ball as hard as we could and threw it in the trash. I let go of my past, the pain, and I asked for forgiveness and also forgave myself. This was my favorite activity because for once in a long time, I let it all go. I returned to campus with a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and now I feel like a new woman!

We all know the song “Oceans” by Hillsong. And if not, here are some of the lyrics…

Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand Will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

So I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior

Oceans || Hillsong UNITED

This song has been running through my mind today and it’s always a nice reminder that when you struggle, whenever you feel down, whenever you just want to cry, God’s got you. He’s always had you. Trust in Him with all of you and He will provide. His timing is never off, even if we may not understand it.

I am back and at it again! I am now an official sophomore at MNU and I am quite enjoying myself (besides the endless amounts of homework). We are about a month into school now and so much has went down! Here are some top memories to keep you up to date!

Above the title picture are my lovely and beautiful suitemates on the first day of school! That day we were really excited, and its been all downhill since ;). My friend Rachel is in the nursing program so she is extra excited and extra stressed.

This is my childhood best friend Annie! We came to MNU together last year and I am so thankful for her! This us at ASG’s White Light Event. We downed melted chocolate and had some very classy conversations of course.

MNU at the K! This is my friend Dan Wright. He would hate me for putting this picture up, but he refuses to read my blogs so hopefully he’ll never see it :).

MNU tailgate at the first home football game! My sister came to visit (she’s in the middle) and it was soooo fun! We love having a winning football team!

And lastly a much needed picture of Thrift Store Prom is below. We got are tacky on (I wore a jumpsuit) and skated at Skate City. It was a blast!

There is sooo much more in store for this year! God has really laid a lot of things on my heart that I can’t wait to share with you all! Also some fun things too Right now I am trying to enjoy every minute of my college experience because one day I will wake up and it will be over These are some of the best years of your life! You get to live with your best friends, go to crazy events, yell at sporting events, and attend chapel multiple times a week. So if you’re in school don’t wish it away, if you’re in high school don’t wish it away (but do know college is pretty amazing! especially if you go to MNU hint hint), if you are in your early part of your career don’t wish it away! Take the time to learn and grow, to make memories, and to see the opportunities God has for you now. God doesn’t need you to be at a certain stage of your life to use you, He uses you just as you are!

This is my very first blog post for MNU Blogs, and I am so excited. I sort of decided last minute to do a video this time. Don’t expect every post to be video, because I haven’t completely decided how I want to format my posts each week. Also, this is not an MNU dorm. I made this video at home.

This week, I’m talking about doubt, and how it can have a positive outcome. I went through a time of doubt about God’s plan for me last year, to the point where I was this close to transferring away from MNU. My faith and trust in god were tested. I wanted my college experience to be easy. I didn’t want to have to make tough choices, but then I was reminded of my Mom’s favorite bible verse, which has become mine:

‘”My thoughts are not like your thoughts. And your ways are not like my ways,” announces the Lord.’

-Isaiah 55:8

You see, the entire time, I had been so worried that I wasn’t going to do what God wanted and that it would ruin everything. All I really needed to do was pray, read and lean on him, and he has shown me exactly where I need to be for this season.

I love all of you, please let me know if you have any questions, or need to talk to someone about MNU, God or whatever!

Here is a video from a cool academic event on campus called 7×7 Challenge. 7 Professors had 7 minutes to discuss an area of study that interested them, and then we in the audience voted on the most interesting or our favorite presentation. I included clips from every speaker and a few funny moments. Hope you enjoy!

I came to the realization today that my freshman year of college is almost over. It’s insane to think about how fast this first year has gone. The feeling is bittersweet! I know there are going to be many exciting things to come in the near future, but it’s crazy how fast these good times have gone by. So yes, there are 17 more days left until summer, counting the weekends. I am SO very excited to finish off the school year and head into more adventures these next couple of months. I am definitely striving to finish strong with my school work and every other responsibility I have until this summer takes off. These next couple of weeks are going to be pretty crazy! I’m sure I’m not the only one with a busy schedule this week though! It seems that everyone I’ve talked to lately is pretty swamped. But we can do it!! :] only a couple weeks left!

On a lighter note, God has done some super cool things with the clouds lately, so I thought I would share with you guys the beauty that I’ve seen this week! :]

This was all in the time span of one week! God is so creative and I am in awe of His beauty! :]

Well friends, If you’re finishing up these next two weeks like I am, keep going! Don’t give up cause you’re almost done! :] Also, remember just how beautiful God is. He is the creator of all things and is worthy of our worship. I have also been reminded lately that if we don’t take the chance to worship God for who he is, the rocks and the trees will. That’s how mighty He is. :] remember that this week.

It has been another crazy week to say the least! But knowing that summer is only a short month away has been keeping me going! Which is absolutely insane! Where did the time go? This semester literally flew by and we still have Easter Break! The bad news about only having a month left (besides leaving all your best friends) is the end of year crams. Grades need to be up, and there is the stress to do well on every assignment, test, quiz, paper left! (P.S. The final countdown guy is awesome)

If you are anything like me, than you know it is a challenge to be motivated, to end out the year strong. I have always struggled with that. I have read 180 pages of one of my textbooks this week (because I am a procrastinator and waited until the week of the test to start reading) and I literally thought I was going to lose my mind. So here is some advice for you: Don’t lose your mind!

As the year comes to a close… don’t stress yourself out too much! Don’t wait until the last minute to do everything. Instead start early and pace yourself, allowing yourself time to relax. That way you won’t lose your mind studying like I have this week.

Next, get motivated! Set yourself a block time where you are going to get as much homework done as you can. These times work the best for me in the afternoon after class. That way I can spend time with my friends in the evening. Whenever you decide to block out your time, make sure it is without distraction. So if that means going to the library, turning off the TV, or turning off your phone… do it! Let every minute of this time not go to waste. When you finish, you will be able to relax and spend time with friends. A couple standard blocked off hours goes a long way if you make it a goal to do everyday or at least frequently.

Don’t forget to take a break and let the Lord give you peace! Finish the year out strong!

The man directly to my left was Danny or Danny Rebar. He has one of the MANLIEST laughs I have ever heard. He is one of the most intimidating men I’ve ever seen, but kindest and light-hearted that I know.

We got to start off the week by playing some softball against the Church and some friends from the local community!! We only lost by 3!!:D:D:D

I got to help two of the three days at the Medical Clinic. We had two certified Nurses both of which were MNU grads, an experienced RNA who’s in this pic-Jeni also an MNU Grad and played volleyball & softball for us a few years ago. Also a local doctor came and gave his time and talents to serve at the clinic. All of this was able to be done for free because of the donations and generous hearts from Brothers and Sisters in Christ and other great people.

Music with some of these friends

Here were some of the men that came to help with the Children’s Basketball clinic.

Pato Pato Ganzo aka Duck Duck Goose with kids from the area around the still-being-built community center.

Getting to make balloon figures with my new friends in the DR during the Medical Clinic. And by balloon figures, I mean a hat or a sword.

A Work and Witness Mission Trip is a no brainer great way to spend time, money, and resources. No regrets have I heard any person say they have after going and serving on one. MNU offers several every single year. And if you don’t think you’d like to do one of those, you can go with churches all around this area, Living Hope Church of the Nazarene in particular is going back to the DR next June!!

And Now,
School life, assignments, pages to be read, and papers to write renews.
But that’s okay. It serves a purpose. I know because I served in the DR with MNU grads who were able to use their skills from their jobs that came from their MNU degrees!

If that isn’t a positive endorsement of MNU, I don’t know what is.
Till next time friends,

Well we have reached February finally. It’s a new year, new semester, so I thought I would bring you an update from my second semester at MNU.

My classes are relatively more challenging compared to last semester, however I have found them pretty enjoyable. My schedule goes:

MWF: Orientation to Psych, Old Testament, Life Span Development, Human Sexuality (let me tell you that one is quite an interesting/awkward/exciting class, if you are a psych major this may be one you may want to take)

T/Th: Physical Science and Prob and Stats

So that is what I have been up to lately. Between classes, nannying, and school events, you could probably find me in a study room at the library with some good friends. (And as short of a walk as it is… I will most definitely be driving as long as it going to be soooo cold!)

Another place you could find me this semester is watching basketball. Whether it be Sunday/Monday night intramural boys basketball, or our Pioneer boys demolishing Baker, you could find me cheering on the sidelines!

Yes we take pictures of ourselves instead of the game. Go ‘Neers!

Also there are some awesome things to do in Kansas City on the weekends! Last night you could have found me at Winter Jam! And it was awesome! I think my ears may still be ringing!

Ya no big deal or anything, but the drummer for Newsboys was spinning at a 90 degree angle… Crazy!

It was an awesome night of praising the Lord with the talents He has given to us.

Oh hey Lecrae

I also like to watch movies and hangout with some of my favorite girls.

From Left to Right: Mckenna (my roomie), Rachel, Me, and Randi

Also this semester has already consisted of more Applebee’s half-priced apps runs.

So that is about it… nothing too crazy but hopefully you get the idea of a pretty busy but fun semester already!

“We were created with the capacity to live life one day at a time. So make it to where your work load will only be that of one day.”

I confess that lately I have been rather stressed and disheveled with my schedule, roles, and responsibilities. But if the afore mentioned quote is truth, then I believe that with effort, diligence, and discipline-balance and peace of mind are possible.
So, paying attention to my schedules from school, church, and work I’m working to do this.

I have learned friends that in: staying up late (and not being able to sleep in with 8 and 9am classes-the struggle is real), not keeping up with assigned readings for consecutive days at a time, treating studying as a chore and not as an opportunity-an opportunity to please, serve, and worship the Lord-if all those negative things are done, feelings of being overwhelmed, high stress and high potential for breakdown are highly likely to take place.

I’m confident that nobody wants any of that.

Sure there is such a thing as eustress (stress that is actually good for you). Okay, I’ll concede that, but friends if we can manage our time wisely and focus on putting “first things first”, stress that has no benefit will affect us less negatively. Life will be more enjoyable and fuller.

“Take care of yourself.”-Wise words.

Peace in the Middle East friends! Know that you’re loved,

Mario Paul Flores.

PS Here are some moments from the past week I wanted to share with y’all:

This is just a wee bit colder than the 80 degree weather back home. But trust me when I say that I will take 10 degree weather over 100 degrees anytime (anytime as in I have warm enough clothes for it)

I’m continuing to learn Greek! The Top line says “God I love.” and the bottom says “The Lord Christ I love.”

Here’s the man that’s teaching myself and others Greek. And yes, Randy is trying on yet another hat.

I like seeing snow outside the window :D

Let it snow…as long as driving conditions can remain safe that it is.

I’ve mapped out my planner (This is just two pages of the 3 months worth of work I did! Credit to Jamie for her persuading motivational speech to manage my time more efficiently! Organization Station I might be on my way! Maybe… Hopefully…